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Wales turn to Samson for Bok Test

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:41

Wales have made two changes to their side to face South African in the second match of the two-Test series in Nelspruit on Saturday.

Scarlets prop Samson Lee will make his first start for Wales in the front row and flank Josh Turnbull comes into the starting XV after featuring from the bench last weekend.

Lee, who made his international debut last November against Argentina, will join Gethin Jenkins and Ken Owens in a new look front row.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones, who will make his 80th appearance for Wales, continues his partnership with Luke Charteris in the second row - with Turnbull lining up alongside British and Irish Lions duo Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.

The backline remains unchanged from the first Test, with Mike Phillips (No.9) and Dan Biggar (No.10) named at halfback.

Wales' record centre partnership of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies feature in the midfield, with George North and Alex Cuthbert on the wings and Liam Williams at fullback.

"We have been really happy with the response from the players during training this week, we have had a good week and we see Saturday as an opportunity to right the wrongs of last weekend," Wales coach Warren Gatland said.

"We were disappointed with last week's display, but we want to finish the season with a big performance and show what we know we are capable of.

"It's a great opportunity for Samson and Josh and they deserve the chance after impressing from the bench last weekend."

There are three changes amongst the replacements, with Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball and Dan Baker all coming into the matchday squad.

They join Matthew Rees and Paul James as the forward contingent.

Gareth Davies and Matthew Morgan, who both made their international debuts in Durban last week, are named on the bench along with James Hook.